AENC Awards Program
“To recognize and reward AENC members who exemplify excellence and enduring service to AENC.”
AENC invites all members to consider submitting nominations for deserving members who meet the awards criteria.
Awards offered by AENC
James J. Lowry Award (Outstanding CEO)
James (Jim) Joseph Lowry, Jr., for whom this award is named, was an extremely active member of AENC for over 20 years. He served as both a Trade Show Co-Chair and chaired the Legislative Committee. He also served on the AENC Board of Directors. Lowry won the Outstanding CEO Award in 2006-2007. The award was named in his honor shortly after his passing in November 2010. This award represents AENC’s highest honor for an association’s chief executive officer (CEO). The award reflects outstanding leadership and achievement in association management. “Outstanding” executives serve AENC, their industry, and participate in various civic and community affairs. This individual exemplifies the best in association management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the association community.
- The nominee must have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.
Patsy B. Smith Award (Outstanding Affiliate Member)
Patsy B. Smith, for whom this award is named, was the first Affiliate member to serve on the AENC Board of Directors. She was a member for several years, during which time she maintained an active interest in the organization and its members. In memory of her outstanding contributions, AENC presents this award as the highest honor bestowed upon an individual in the Allied or Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) membership category. While recognizing outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the association community, the award also recognizes a member’s contribution to his or her employing organization and to other professional organizations.
- At the time of nomination, the candidate must have been an Affiliate member for at least the past two consecutive years.
Jovita S. Mask Award (Outstanding Association Member who is not the CEO)
This award represents the highest honor AENC can bestow upon a key association staff member, excluding the CEO. This award reflects extraordinary achievements and the promise of future accomplishments within the association management profession. AENC awards this honor in recognition of a member’s exceptional contributions to his or her employing association. It also honors distinguished service to AENC and other professional organizations, as well as continuing professional development and participation in community and civic affairs. This award was named for Jovita Mask, whose entire career was in association management. Starting as a receptionist at an association, she later became the Executive Director. Later she merged that association with another state organization and served as Vice President of Administration before coming to AENC in 2009, retiring in 2018.
- The candidate must also have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.
Bob Slocum Award (Outstanding Government Affairs and Advocacy)
Bob Slocum, for whom this award is named, was a dedicated association professional who in his 24 years at the helm of the NC Forestry Association truly embodied professionalism in his conduct and dedication to his members’ interest in regard to government affairs and advocacy at both the state and federal level. To be effective, association professionals endeavoring to advance the political agenda of their members must not only be keen practitioners in the area of legislative and governmental process, but must work to establish and maintain a personal and professional reputation with both association members and elected officials for being honest, reliable and consistent. In presenting this award AENC seeks to recognize an individual who has a sustained tenure of consistently outstanding professional conduct in this important functional area of association operations, as well as provide younger association government affairs and advocacy professionals a role model to emulate.
- The candidate for this award must have at least ten (10) years employment in a position for which the individual has primary or singular responsibility for government affairs and/or advocacy efforts on behalf of an association. The nominee must have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.
AENC Young Professionals – FUEL Award (Outstanding AENC Young Professionals – FUEL participant)
Honors an AENC member under the age of 40 that participates in FUEL events/meetings. The goal of this Award is to recognize an AENC member for outstanding AENC/Association involvement or personal community involvement that also participates in FUEL events/meetings.
- The candidate must also have been a member of AENC for at least the past two consecutive years.
*NEW* President’s Award (Outstanding AENC member)
This award is given by the current AENC President at the annual meeting to a current AENC member, President’s choice completely. The winner will not be notified so it will be a surprise. (Staff will navigate on telling coworkers of recipient so they know to attend but still keep it a secret.)
Eligibility
- Current AENC Board Members are ineligible for scholarships or awards.
- Scholarship and Awards committee members are ineligible for scholarships and awards.
- Applicants may receive a maximum of one award in the year under consideration.
Submission of Nominations
Please submit your nomination/s to AENC, using the following guidelines: (Note: Electronic submission is preferred.)
- Please type the award name in the subject line of your email or letter.
- In the body of your email or letter, please indicate the name of the person you are nominating and the organization where the individual is employed.
- Briefly state your reasons for nominating the individual for the award. (1-2 paragraphs)
- Send your nominations to [email protected] or in writing to Attn: Madi McDougald, AENC, 514 Daniels St. PMB #352, Raleigh, NC 27605.
Award nominations are due in May.
Timeline
March - The awards nomination process begins. AENC invites all members to consider submitting nominations for deserving members who meet the awards criteria. May – Deadline for nominations. Deadline for nominations. Nominees who meet the requirements are contacted by staff and asked to respond with the required supporting documentation. June – The committee reviews to determine award recipients by grading each nomination and submitting to the AENC Board of Directors a list of recommended recipients. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the award recipients. AENC staff notifies and coordinates with the award recipients to obtain photos and bios, and to ensure recipients will be present at the AENC annual meeting in July. July – The awards are presented at the AENC Annual Meeting.
Past Award Winners
James J. Lowry Award (Outstanding CEO)
2022 - Linda Owens, CAE, IMI Association Executives 2021 - James Smith Jr., PE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC 2020 - Jim Thompson Jr., CAE, IOM, Capitol Hill Management Services 2019 - Dr. Michael Alec Parker, CAE, NC Dental Society 2018 - David Simpson, CAE, Carolinas AGC, Inc. 2017 - Durward "Butch" Gunnells, III, NC Beverage Association 2016 - William (Bill) Arent (Posthumous), previously Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association 2015 - No award given 2014 - No award given 2013 - Gregory K. Griggs, MPA, CAE, NC Academy of Family Physicians 2012 - Tina C. Gordon, CAE, NC Nurses Association 2011 - Wendy W. Scott, CAE, Wendy Scott & Associates, Inc. 2010 - F. Carlyle Teague, N.C. Specialty Foods Association 2009 - Beth Bowen, N.C. Association of Medical Equipment Services 2008 - Bob Glaser, CAE, NC Automobile Dealers Association 2007 - James Joseph Lowry, Jr., CPO, N.C. Utility Contractors Association 2006 - William D. Stricker, Carolinas AGC, Inc. 2005 - Charles F. McDonald, Jr., CAE, Safety and Health Council of N.C. 2004 - Teresa L. Saylor, CAE, N.C. Press Association 2003 - Larry W. Adams, Southern Building Materials Association 2002 - Chris A. Valauri, N.C. Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association 2001 - James T. Ahler, CAE, N.C. Association of CPAs 2000 - Sue L. Makey, CAE, N.C. Academy of Family Physicians 1999 - Randall D. Lisk, Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas & Tennessee 1998 - Ken Morgan, CAE, N.C. Association of Life Underwriters 1997 - Timothy D. Kent, CAE, AIA North Carolina 1996 - Hazel B. Moore, N.C. Nurses Association 1993 - Craig Souza, N.C. Health Care Facilities Association 1992 - Lewis Huff, Independent Garage Owners of N.C. 1991 - Elbert Peters, N.C. Trucking Association 1990 - Carl F. Sapp, N.C. Telephone Association 1989 - Eleanor F. Upton, Upton Associates 1988 - Don Ward, N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association 1987 - Michael Olson, CAE, Olson Management Group, Inc.
Patsy B. Smith Award (Outstanding Affiliate Member)
2022 - Molly Johnson, CMP-Fellow, QAS, Wilmington & Beaches CVB 2021 - Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville NC 2020 - Connie Thames, TowneBank 2019 - Melissa Bucci, Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront 2018 - Beverly Stewart, DCMP, CVB Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area 2017 - Karen Wall, Visit Winston-Salem 2016 - Teri Saylor, CAE, Open Water Communications 2015 - No award given 2014 - Sara Green, Pinehurst Resort 2013 - Denise D. Ryan, MBA, CSP, FireStar 2012 - John W, Sneed, II, CHSP, Wilmington and Beaches CVB 2011 - Andrew D. Schmidt, CHME, Greenville CVB 2010 - Michelle Streath, Hilton Wilmington Riverside & Riverview Suites 2009 - Ed Currie, Piedmont Triad Productions 2008 - Malinda Pettaway, CASE, Greater Raleigh CVB 2007 - Candy Cline, Visit Winston-Salem 2006 - Kathy B. Flowe, CMP, Alabama Theatre 2005 - Donna F. Rabon, Hilton Wilmington Riverside & Riverview Suites 2004 - Laurie Okun, Sheraton Imperial Hotel 2003 - Kim T. Hufham, Cape Fear Coast CVB 2002 - Nancy S. Barney, The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel 2001 - Joseph E. Blake, Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau 2000 - Jan S. Hogan, MC Benton Convention Center 1999 - Ron Stephens, CHME, High Point CVB 1998 - John J. Mead, CAE, APR, Mead Management Support 1997 - Cheryl R. Hutto, Hilton North Raleigh 1996 - Burchill T. Sweeney, Marriott Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort 1996 - John Phillips, See North Carolina First 1994 - Angela Beattie, The Grove Park Inn 1993 - Sandra Hale, Kiawah Island Golf & Tennis Resorts 1992 - Petra Alberici, Sheraton Imperial Hotel 1991 - Janet Harrington, Grandover Resort and Conference Center 1990 - Sarah Hamm Wade, CHA, CHME, Sunbelt Hospitality, Inc. 1989 - Charlotte M. Young, High Point CVB 1988 - Judy Green, CHME, The Siena Hotel 1987 - Patsy B. Smith, Grove Park Inn & Country Club
Jovita S. Mask Award (Outstanding Association Member who is not the CEO)
2022 - Meredith Houston, PHR, IOM, CAE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC 2021 - Sarah Royster, CAE, NC Nurses Association 2020 - Kathryn Atkinson, CMP, NC Academy of Family Physicians 2019 - Rachael Lord, CAE, NC Chiropractic Association 2018 - Nancy Lowe, CMP, NC Medical Society 2017 - Heather Wrenn, CAE, NC Chiropractic Association 2016 - Brent Hazelett, MPA, CAE, NC Academy of Family Physicians 2015 - No award given 2014 - Lisa Ward, NC Dental Society 2013 - Kristen L. Feneley, MPA, CAE, NC Nurses Association 2012 - Anne Shoemaker, IOM, NC Association of REALTORS®. 2011 - Ginny Fountain, CMP, PHR, N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives 2009 - Diane Weems, AENC 2008 - Joan Elliott, Southern Building Material Association 2007 - Penny R. Cummings, N.C. Association of County Commissioners 2006 - Mary K. Doherty, Carolinas Center for Hospice & End of Life Care 2005 - David N. Simpson, CAE, Carolinas AGC, Inc. 2004 - Sharon H. Bryson, M.Ed., N.C. Association of CPAs 2003 - James A. Rouse, III, N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives 2001 - Irma R. Ceglia, N.C. Academy of Family Physicians 2000 - Joseph P. Logan, CAE, American Home Furnishings Alliance 1996 - Jo Ellen Mitchell, AIA North Carolina 1994 - Sindy Barker, N.C. Nurses Association 1993 - Barbara A. Tilton, CMP, N.C. Association of CPAs 1992 - Stephen Morrisette, CAE, N.C. Hospital Association 1991 - Fran E. Preston, N.C. Retail Merchants Association 1990 - Willie Feather, N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association 1989 - W. Alan Skipper, CMP, N.C. Medical Society 1988 - Randall D. Lisk, Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas & Tennessee 1987 - Betty M.Tysinger, Tysinger's Management Services
Bob Slocum Award (Outstanding Government Affairs and Advocacy)
2022 - Betsy Bailey, CAE, Carolinas AGC 2021 - Jon Carr, Jordan Price Wall Gray Jones & Carlton 2020 - Anne Darconte, HillStaffer 2019 - Joseph Stewart, Independent Insurance Agents of NC 2018 - Tim Kent, CAE, NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association 2017 - Alan Skipper, CAE, CMP, NC Medical Society 2016 - James (Jim) T. Ahler, CAE, NC Association of Certified Public Accountants
AENC Young Professionals – FUEL Award (Outstanding AENC Young Professionals – FUEL participant)
2022 - Amanda Davis, CMP, Blue Sky eLearn 2021 - Forrest Howard, The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel 2020 - Brandi Gerew, CAE, CMP, Capitol Hill Management Services 2019 - Najauna White, Discover Durham 2018 - Meredith Houston, PHR, IOM, CAE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC 2017 - 2 winners: Melissa B. Fallis, Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront & Tiffani Sheppard, Pinehurst Resort
*NEW* President’s Award (Outstanding AENC member or nonmember) This award is given by the current AENC President at the annual meeting to any person they chose, President’s choice completely. The winner will not be notified so it will be a surprise. (Staff will navigate on telling coworkers of recipient so they know to attend but still keep it a secret.)
2022 - 2 winners: Madi McDougald & Julie Keith, Association Executives of NC 2021 - Kathryn Atkinson, CMP, NC Academy of Family Physicians 2020 - Erika and Josh Burfield, EZAV 2019 - Meredith Houston, PHR, IOM, CAE, American Council of Engineering Companies of NC
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